Recycling is certainly a hot topic, especially with Generation Z (those born from the mid-90s onwards). In March this year, The Ecologist reported that ‘young activists are showing the way on climate change’. A quick scan of Instagram shows that while millennials once posted about their new lipstick or holiday, they’re increasingly using social media as a platform for political change. We spoke to Cheyenne Lückemeier, a psychology student at the University of Glasgow who recently took part in the UK- wide #YouthStrike4Climate protests. She told us: “ I think many young people are starting to wake up. There is a growing frustration about the lack of pro-environmental action by our politicians, and going out on the streets is giving us a voice. This is our last chance to change our future for the better. ”
As young people around the world unite to protest against climate change, student Cheyenne Lückemeier took to the streets for #YouthStrike4Climate
“We will not stop until our governments react!” Cheyenne Lückemeier
“We can no longer ignore the scientific facts and we need to start talking about the truth. It is our responsibility to bring change to ensure the safety of future generations. This is why I’m out protesting on the streets. “Pro-environmental movements like Extinction Rebellion and solo climate-activists like Greta Thunberg are a great inspiration to our youth generation. They prove that anyone can have influence and help to bring positive changes. “Together, we are so much stronger. We will not stop until our governments finally react with the changes we demand.”
Over in the USA, the Washed Ashore Project has worked with over 10,000 volunteers to process more than 20 tonnes of debris to create over 70 sculptures of the animals affected by plastic pollution. The non-profit travelling exhibition educates people from diverse backgrounds and was founded by Angela Haseltine Pozzi, who states that “until we run out of plastic on the beach, we will keep doing our work”. What all of these inspirational artists show is that change can start with something as small as a plastic button. Through art, we can make a difference. And who knows? The next masterpiece might just be lurking in our recycling bins.
With the help of 10,000 volunteers, the Washed Ashore Project’s touring exhibition has transformed 20 tonnes of debris into the animals affected by plastic pollution.
FINE ART COLLECTOR SPRING 2019 99
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker